Vase

Art Historical Context

This delicate glass vase, likely crafted in the 18th or 19th century, exemplifies the refined artistry of Islamic glassmaking. Standing at 11 5/16 inches (28.7 cm) tall with a diameter of 4 1/16 inches (10.3 cm), its slender, elegant form suggests it was designed for both practical use—perhaps holding perfumes, oils, or—and aesthetic display. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's of Islamic Art, it the sophisticated vessel production across the Islamic world during this era, when glassworkers mastered techniques like blowing and molding to create lightweight yet durable objects weighing just 0.91 lbs (25.8 g). Though the artist remains unknown, the vase's inclusion in the Edward C. Moore Collection—bequeathed to the Met in 1891—underscores its cultural value. Moore, a prominent collector, amassed treasures that highlighted Islamic craftsmanship, helping to build one of the world's premier collections. Glass in Islamic art held special significance, often symbolizing luxury and translucence akin to precious gems, and was traded widely along Silk Road routes. Visitors will appreciate this vase's timeless poise, a quiet testament to the anonymous artisans whose skill bridged utility and beauty in Ottoman, Persian, or regional workshops. Pause to admire its graceful proportions, evoking the opulence of bygone courts.